Palmeiras Coach Abel Ferreira Criticizes National Team SchedulingCelebratesLeagueLead
SÃO PAULO – Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira launched a sharp critique of the current scheduling of international FIFA dates and its impact on player availability for Brazilian clubs, while simultaneously basking in his team’s strengthened position atop the Brazilian Championship standings. Following a recent victory that extended their lead to three points over Flamengo, Ferreira expressed frustration with a system he deems unsustainable and “doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.”
Ferreira’s comments,reported widely following the match,weren’t solely focused on scheduling. He implied systemic issues within Brazilian football’s governing bodies – referencing the CBF,coaches,and board members – are contributing to a depletion of players available for national team duty. “And we are running out of players for the national teams, something is wrong here,” he stated. He questioned whether adjustments to the calendar, mirroring the European model, might be necessary, acknowledging the potential unfairness to all parties involved. He also alluded to a past disagreement with São Paulo coach Hernán Crespo, stating, “This doesn’t exist anywhere, I’m sorry to say that…It’s not fair either for us or for others.”
The Portuguese coach also expressed a sense of embarrassment when questioned about the situation during a crucial period.”It should be something of deep reflection, and sometimes a little shameful when peopel ask me what is happening in a arduous moment, in a very crucial final stretch,” Ferreira admitted.
Despite the concerns, Palmeiras is thriving. The team currently holds a commanding lead in the Brazilian Championship with 22 days remaining before the Copa libertadores final. Ferreira indicated this was precisely the position he desired, with the squad radiating confidence. “This is how he wanted to arrive,” the report stated, referencing the team’s momentum heading into the continental showdown. Santos suffered a loss yesterday, further solidifying Palmeiras’ position.
